Building construction



March 27, 1962 lC BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 5,1957 INVENTOR DONALD L.R|CHTER ATTORNEY March 27, 1962 D. L. RICHTER3,026,651

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 5, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 JET-7'5- 96INVENTOR DONALD L. RICHTER BYWQW ATTORNEY March 27, 1962 DONALDLRICHTER13% IO EY March 27, 1962 D. L. RICHTER BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 8Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 5, 1957 1N VENTOR DONALD L. RICHTER ATTORNEYMarch 27, 1962 D. RICHTER 3,

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 5, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORDONALD L. R l CHTER March 27, 1962 D. L. RICHTER 3,026,651

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 5, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 March 27, 1962D. RICHTER 3,026,651

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 5, 1957 a Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTORDONALD L. RICHTER ATTORNEY March 27, 1962 D. RICHTER BUILDINGCONSTRUCTION 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Aug. 5, 1957 d INVENTOR DONALDL.RICHTER ATTORNEY United States Patent Fatented Mar. 27, 1962 3,626,651EUHLDKNG (IUNSTRUUTIGN Donald L. Richter, Gahland, Caliii, assignor toKaiser Aluminum 5r Chemical Corporation, Oakland, Calif., a corporationof Delaware Filed Aug. 5, 1957, Ser. No. 676,223 11 t'llaims. (Ql.59-52) This invention relates to building structures and the componentstherefor. More particularly, this invention relates to structural unitsof integrated form, wherein the individual units, when employed forfabrication of a roof, wall, spherical building or the like, compriseboth the protective covering as well as the framework of the structurein which they are incorporated. This application also constitutes acontinuation-in-part of my present co-pending application Serial No.632,893, filed January 7, 1957 and'now abandoned.

One specific, though not the only, environment in which the structuralunits of the instant invention may be employed to great advantage is inthe fabrication of geodesic domelike structures. Such domelikestructures may be of the type shown and described in Fuller Patent2,682,- 235. The structural unit of the instant invention alsoconstitutes an improvement over any of the unit shapes and compositebuilding elements disclosed in that patent.

Additionally, the structural unit herein described may find generalutility in the fabrication of walls, roofs, etc., of more conventionaldesign. When incorporated in these latter structures, the structuralunits provide a building structure having exceptional strength,lightness and attractiveness. The individual structural units themselvesare unique in configuration. They are also rugged, light in weight andexceptionally easy to handle besides being easy to fabricate. Each ofthese units in a sense comprises a tetrahedral section or buildingblock, which, when associated with and joined to similar buildingblocks, will form a unique covering for a building.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of this invention to provide aunique tetrahedral type structural unit, for use in building structureswherein the unit has an exceptionally high strength toweight ratio.

It is another object of this invention to provide a unique structuralunit, for building structures wherein the framework of a finishedarchitectural design is automatically formed by components of thestructural units, as they are being emplaced.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a unique buildingstructure made up of a plurality of structural units of the instantinvention which are arranged in such a fashion that the distribution ofstress approaches that of a uniform homogeneous shell under similarloading, and wherein the units may be advantageously arranged in such afashion that they form a three-dimensional space-truss.

A further object of this invention is to provide a building structurecomprised of a plurality of unique structural units, wherein eachstructural unit comprises both a stressed skin and part of the frameworkof the finished architectural design.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a unique structuralunit, which, when assembled with other structural units of similardesign will form a three-di mensional space-truss covering for abuilding with the various components of the structural units that formthe framework of the building being'arranged in turn along the arcs ofgreat circles.

A further object of this invention is to provide a unique structuralunit which because of its particulardesign and construction effectivelyresists flexing andbending after installation of the same. i

A further object of this invention is to provide a unique buildingstructure made of structural units, which are roughly diamond-shaped inplan, with the units being so assembled together that the various loadstresses imposed on the units are directed towards the several verticesor tips of the diamond-shaped units and wherein all the metal in eachunit bears its full share of the load.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a spherical buildingmade up of a plurality of unique diamond-shaped, tetrahedral unitstogether with novel means for securing several units to each other,wherein the units comprise both the coveringand structural framework forthe building and wherein the means used to anchor the building to theground and the portions of the units constituting the framework arearranged along the arcs of great circles.

A further object of this invention is to provide a building structuremade up of a plurality of unique diamondshaped tetrahedral unitstogether with novel means for securing several units together adjacentthe various vertices' ortips of the units.

Another object of this invention is to provide a building structure madeup of a plurality of unique diamondshaped tetrahedral units togetherwith novelmeans for anchoring the structure formed from these unitstothe ground.

These and other objects of the instant invention not specificallyreferred to but inherent therein are accomplished by providing abuilding covering comprised of a plurality of three-dimensionaltetrahedral-shaped panels. Each panel in turn is preferably comprised ofa sheet of metal which is preferably diamond in shape. Portions of thediamond-shaped sheet metal are progressively bent or creased so that twoopposing corners of the shape will be drawn upwardly from the normalplane of rest of the metal sheet. The displaced corners are connected bya bridging strut of any desired cross-sectional configuration. The edgesof the sheet metal shape are also advantageously provided with marginalflanges, while the sheet metal itself may be embossed to provide it withsuitable delineations impressed into the sheet during the shapingthereof, all of which will be more fully described hereinafter. Thesedelineations not only enhance the overall appearance of the sheet metal,but they also prevent undesirable flexing in the sheet metal during use.

Other objects and advantages of the instant invention will become moreapparent from a review of the following detailed description when takenin conjunction with the appended drawings wherein: i

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the unique tetrahedral structural unitor panel of the instant invention, with reference planes being shown toemphasize the details thereof;

FlGURE 2. is a side-elevational view of the unit shown in FIGURE 1, thereference planes being omitted for the sake of clarity;

FIGURE 3 is an end-elevational view of the structural unit shown inFIGURES 1 and 2;

FIGURE 35! is an exploded perspective view of the structural 'unit ofFIGURES 1-3 together'with the basic components needed for securing theunit to similar units, during the construction of a wall, roof or othercovering in a building structure;

FIGURE 4 is a plan View. showing a representative geometric pattern,that may be formed by plurality of the structural units of the instantinvention, when they are joined together;

FIGURE 5 is an example of one type of geodesic dome structure, such asthat disclosed in Patent 2,682,235,

which may be advantageously fabricated from the structural units of theinstant invention;

FIGURE 5a is an example of another type of geodesic dome structure thatmay be fabricated by using the structural units of the instant inventionand discloses one arrangement for anchoring certain of the units locatedalong the perimeter of structure to ground piers in a unique fashion;

FIGURE 6 is a bottom plan view of a suitable type gusset member that maybe used for joining a plurality of structural units together adjacenttheir long diagonals;

FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view of the gusset member shown in FIGURE6 when taken along line 77 thereof;

FIGURE 8 is a further cross-sectional view of the gusset member shown inFIGURE 6, when taken along line 88 thereof;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of the lower portion of thegeodesic dome disclosed in FIGURE 5a and shows in more detail a uniquearrangement for anchoring the dome to the ground by securing theanchoring elements to the proper reaction points on the dome or sphere;

FIGURE 10 is another bottom plan view of the gusset member shown inFIGURE 6 when anchored to several structural units adjacent their longdiagonals; and with a structural supporting column shown in dotted linesalso being secured to the gusset member;

FIGURE 11 is a plan view of the underside of a wall or three-dimensionalspace-truss formed by the structural units of the instant invention anddiscloses the manner in which three adjacent panels are joined togetheradjacent their short diagonals by means of a cluster of suitable gussetanchoring elements;

FIGURE 12 is an exploded view of the cluster of gusset anchoringelements shown in FIGURE 11;

FIGURE 13 is a broken front elevational view of a ground pier and astructural unit anchored thereto, and discloses the various accessoriesemployed for securing the structural unit to the pier and to similaradjacent units;

FIGURE 14 is a sectional view taken along the line 14-14 of FIGURE 13;

FIGURE 15 is a sectional view taken along the line 1515 of FIGURE 13with parts removed for the sake of clarity;

FIGURE 16 is a bottom plan view of a modified cluster of gussetanchoring elements used to secure two structural units together when oneof the units is anchored to a ground pier; and

FIGURE 17 is a side elevational view of a ground pier, with a structuralunit and sphere supporting column anchored thereto.

With further reference to the drawings and in particular to FIGURES 1and 3a it may be seen that the unique tetrahedral structural unit orbuilding block of the instant invention is preferably comprised of asheet metal element or panel 1, preferably diamond-shaped in plan viewand having a major axis MM and minor axis NN. In most instances afterforming, the major axis or the center long diagonal of the panel willalso be slightly cambered upwardly from the true horizontal plane H.Major axis MM also lies in a true vertical plane V.

The minor axis NN is slightly above the horizontal plane H but is normalwith respect to the axis MM and hence normal with respect to thevertical plane V. Although the minor axis NN is located slightly abovehorizontal plane H, it is normal with respect to the vertical plane V.The basic unit thus described includes corners or vertices 2, 3, 4 and5, corners 2 and 3 lying along major axis MM and corners 4 and 5 lyingalong the minor axis NN. Thus, it may be seen that since the corners and5 lie along the same line or minor axis NN and since the major axis MMlies along the intersection of planes H and V, the sheet metal forms acurve passing from corner 4 through the axis MM and thence to corner 5.The corners 4 and 5 are in turn connected to a suitably shaped strutmember 6 which lies along and generally coincides with minor axis NN.This strut is also generally parallel to but vertically spaced from theplane H and normal to the plane V. The relation between the strut andsheet is more clearly discernible by inspection of shadow line S whichwould be cast on the sheet as shown in FIGURE 1. The strut is secured tothe unit 1 at the corners 4 and 5 by means of an apertured flangedsleeve member, which fits over the end of the strut, or the end of thestrut may be provided with apertured flanged portions 6 disposed at theproper angle, with suitable bolts 7', rivets or the like passing throughopenings 8 in the flanges 6 and in corresponding openings 9', or holesin the panel unit 1 adjacent the corners 4 and 5.

Considering now the sheet or panel itself, attention will be given tothe manner in which the arcuate configuration is imparted thereto. Thebasic sheet metal such as aluminum may simply be bent such that thecorners 4 and 5 are displaced from their normal plane of rest. However,it is preferable that the sheet be provided with delineations in themanner and for the purpose to be described hereinafter. The sheet 1 isadvantageously provided with a plurality of delineations or creases 12and 13 which roughly form a unique quilted pattern. These delineationsor creases are advantageously impressed in the sheet during the curvingof the sheet; in fact, the edges or corners 4 and 5 are advantageouslybent gradually upward to their predetermined position by creasing of thesheet 1 to form the delineations 12 and 13 in a conventional break pressmechanism. This creasing is performed by simply bending the sheet andwithout any deleterious stretching or weakening of the metal at thepoints of bending or creasing.

After the delineations have been impressed in the sheet, the marginaledges may be turned down to form the reinforce marginal flanges 7 and 8,9 and 11, whereby the creases 12 and 13 if impressed on the sheet priorto :flanging will also be carried over into the flanges. If desired, theflanges may also be bent inwardly to form a flange tab 10. Delineationsor creases 12, originate at the corner 2 and fan out in sunburst fashiontherefrom and project toward the edges of the sheet as defined by thecorners 5, 4 and 3. It will be noted that no single line 12substantially coincides with the major axis MM, all delineations beingdisposed at an angle thereto. Similarly, delineations or creases 13originate and fan out from the corner 3 to the sides defined betweencorners 5, 2 and 4 and again no delineations 13 coincide with the majoraxis MM but are angulated with respect thereto. Thus, the intersectionsof delineations 12 and 13 which take place intermediate the corners ofthe sheet and the delineations themselves form a unique reinforcingquilt-type pattern comprised roughly of a series of diamond-shapedfigures and triangular figures of varying form and dimensions. Thepurpose of this delineated pattern is twofold. First, it will beappreciated that each of the resulted delineated geometrical figures maybe angularly disposed one with respect to the other such that the sheetwill be arched or curved in the manner indicated. Secondly, the patternthus formed stabilizes the metal skin of the panel and precludes to agreat extent the so-called oil canning, flexing or popping of the sheetduring installations. In this connection, it is to be noted that thearrangement or 7 pattern formed by delineations l2 and 13 is such thatno thereof, the edges of the sheet are advantageously provided withdownturned stiffening or reinforcing flanges 7, 8, 9 and 11, whichextend from corners 2 to 4, 4 to 3, 3 to 5, and 5 to 2, respectively.These flanged edges of each of the structural units 1, as well as thestruts and the long central diagonal of the metal sheet, advantageouslyact as the frame elements of the three-dimensional truss structureformed by an assemblage of the structural units of the instant inventionin a manner to be more fully described hereinafter. Corners 2, 3, 4 and5 may also be squared off for facility in assembling a plurality ofunits together.

While the fianging and pattern-forming operations have been described interms of separate operations, it is quite possible and oftentimes mostdesirable that both the flanging and pattern-forming be conductedsubstantially as a single step resulting in the formation of a completedshape as shown in FIGURES 1, 2, 3 and 3a, with the exception of thestrut 6.

The strut 6 which connects corners 4 and 5, as is clearly shown inFIGURES l, 3 and 3a, may be comprised of a tube, hollow bar or otherstructurfl shape, preferably having a high strength to weight ratio ofwhich a tube is an excellent example. The strut may be welded, bolted,bracketed or otherwise secured to the arched, flanged, and delineatedsheet. The strut may also be connected with the corners 4 and 5 in sucha fashion that several stress conditions are imparted to the completedunit. For example, if the sheet is bowed or arched beyond its normalcondition when delineated and flanged, the strut will be 9 placed undera slight tensile stress, when it is fixed to the corners 4 and 5 sincein order to fix the strut to the corners it will then be necessary todraw the corners 4 and 5 inwardly. If, however, the corners of the sheetmust be drawn slightly outwardly from their initial bowed position asformed in order to secure the strut thereto, the strut 6 will then beplaced under a slight compression. If, however, the length of the strutand the distance between the corners 4 and 5 is substantially equal tothe strut dimension, then no stress will be introduced to the strut. Itwill be appreciated, too, that while shown as a diamond with the strutbeing parallel to its minor axis, the sheet metal shape 1 may also bemore on the order of a square with the strut 6 connected to either ofthe two opposite corners diagonally across the sheet. Alternately, thestrut could be connected to the corners 2 and 3 of the diamond-shapedsheet so that it parallels the major axis of the diamond. This, ofcourse, will depend upon the particular geometric pattern that isdesired in the finished three-dimensional truss structure or otherbuilding unit formed from these units. In the latter case, where thestrut is secured to the apices or corners 2 and 3 of the diamond-shapedsheet and parallel to the major axis thereof, it is obvious that corners2 and 3 rather than 4 and 5 would be displaced upwardly from the planeof rest of the sheet and delineations l2 and 1.3 would likewise emanatefrom the corners '4 and 5.

There has thus been described a unique structural unit of unusual designand appearance. The sheet and the various components thereof arepreferably for red of a light metal, such as aluminum. The unitdescribed is light, strong and possesses an exceptionally pleasingappearance, when used in forming architectural shapes such as domes ofthe type mentioned previously, walls, roofs, ceilings and interior andexterior surfaces, and regardless of whether such structures are merelydecorative or both decorative and functional.

It is to be noted that the single strut 6 between points 4 and plus theformed diamond between points 2, 3, 4 and *5 in effect define atetrahedron-like solid. Thestrut 6, the diamond edges 35, 52, 2% and 43,and the diamond valley between points 5M and M.4 define the 6 edges ofthe tetrahedron-like polyhedron formed by the sheet 1.

Considered another way, the tetrahedron-like solid may be considered ashaving one face formed by the diagonal on axis MM and diamond edges 35and 5-2; another face by the same diagonal and diamond edges 3-4 and4-2; a further face by strut 6 and diamond edges 4-3 and 3-5; and thefinal face by strut 6 and diamond edges S2 and 24. In any event, theresult is still a tetrahedral section.

When one section is joined to adjacent diamond sections to form a seriesof building blocks, each panel section in effect serves as athree-dimensional beam unit. The mathematical arrangement of this unitis such that load stresses are distributed substantially through all ofthe metal and are directed through the diamond vertices or tips. Whenall the diamond vertices of the various units are so arranged as to fallon the surface of a theoretical sphere, remarkable structural strengtharises as a result. The overall effect is one of resolving all loadsonto the substantially uniformly stressed spherical segments orstructural units 1 in a fashion similar in principle to the highefficiency of an egg shell. As a result, each panel or structural unit 1does not merely consist of a load-supporting framework covered with idlesheeting but in effect is a stressed skin self-reinforcing space-trussunit in which all metal bears its share of the load. Thus, it will beappreciated that such a tetrahedron-like element has considerablethree-dimensional strength. The central portion of the sheet 1 locatedalong line or plane MM, i.e., the long diagonal, also advantageouslyacts in the manner of a strut.

Having thus considered the individual units, several means of utilizingthe units will now be described. One such use is the construction ofdomes, among them being geodesic domes of the type shown in U.S. PatentNo. 2,682,235. The patent mentioned discloses a method of constructingdomelike structures utilizing various geometric shapes along with aspecial assembled framework of struts bounding each shape, whethertriangular, diamond or the like. The instant invention is an improvementparticularly over the structure disclosed in the patent in that itrequires the use of fewer and lighter parts, in addition to havinggeneral utility in other building structures.

Referring now to the manner in which the structural units he 'eindisclosed may be utilized in forming a generally planar surface, it maybe seen that a plurality of units, including flanged and bowed sheetmetal shapes 1 and including a strut 6' are joined at a common pointsuch as is seen in FIGURE 4. Six of the units have adjacent flangededges in abutting relation. The struts 6 of each of the six unitsapproximately define a regular hexagon. Located at the vertex point Afrom which the respective units radiate is a suitable hub element orrosettelike gusset 20, an example of which is shown in FIGURE 6. Thecorners 2 and 3 along the long diagonal of the units I are alsoadvantageously connected to this gusset Ztl.

In the case of the vertex point B at which the short diagonal ofadjacent units converge, the short diagonal corners 4 or 5 of adjacentsheet metal panels may be joined together and in turn be reinforced by acluster 24 of another type of hub element or hublike clamp element, anexample of which is shown in FIGURES 3a and 11 and all of which will bedescribed more fully hereinafter.

Each'rosette 2i) which may be an aluminum casting is comprised of acentral hub or web portion it? from which a plurality of spokelikemembers 42 radiate in the manner of a wheel. The center of the huhdllmay also be provided with an opening 43. Each spoke is generallychannelshaped in' cross-section and includes a web 4 and down-turnedside flanges 45. 'A combination sheet and strut l is anchored at one ofits corners 2 or 3, to a rosette it by having the corner of the unit 1and flanges 7-11 or 3 -9 overlap the flanges 45 and 2. spoke 42 of therosette 20 adjacent to the point where the spoke merges with the hub 40'as indicated particularly in FIGURE 10. When the gusset 20 is in place,a certain amount of open space will exist between the panel corners andthe spokes of the gusset. These openings will be eifectively closed bythe use of an outside cover plate 21, as indicated in dotted lines ofFIGURE 10 and in full lines in FIGURE 9.

Plate 211 may be secured directly to the outside surfaces of the panelsadjacent gusset 20 by means of an adhesive, or to the gusset 20 itselfby means of a suitable bolt thrust through the opening 43. When bolts orrivets 23 are inserted in the openings 50 in the corners 2 or 3 of theunit 1 and similar openings 50 in the spokes 42 of the rosette 20, theconverging corners of units will be securely locked to the rosette.

The structural units 1 are also advantageously secured to each other attheir flanged portions 8 and 7, 9 and 11, by welding or by means ofbolts or rivets 54 thrust through openings 52 in the flanges of theadjacent sheets. The struts 6 are also advantageously interconnected toeach other in a unique fashion to be described more fully hereinaftersuch that there is effected a framework in the form of a regular hexagonwhich, when the units are joined together, resists compressive stressesor the like in which the units would be inherently weak along theirminor axes.

To the afore-described basic pattern, there may be added additionalseries of structural units so arranged that the struts 6 are connectedto the six vertex points B of the basic hexagonlike frame and radiateoutwardly from these points to the points R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6, allas is clearly shown in FIGURE 4. It may be seen that the edges of thesheets 1 of the integrated units now define a hexagon, the frame beingcomprised of a central regular hexagon surrounded by six halfshapedformed hexagons, each of which has one side common to the originalgeometric figure. Assuming now that the points R1 and R6 rest onsuitable reaction points indicated as S1 and S2 in FIGURE 4, it may beseen that the straight edge at the bottom of the sheets may be continuedby the addition of a half of unit 20'. This latter unit mayadvantageously have its strut 6 resting on reaction points S2 and S3.The strut 6 of this half unit 20 may also be omitted, if desired.

The means for securing adjacent structural units at the corners 4 or 5on the short diagonals thereof will now be described.

These means comprise a cluster 24 of hub clamps 61, 62 and 63. These maybe made in the form of castings, and each clamp is securable to aseparate unit 1 adjacent the corner 4 or 5 on the short diagonalthereof. Ordinarily, the short diagonal corners of three units 1 willconverge at the vertex point B because of the geometric pattern formedby the units 1. Thus, only three hub clamps will be used. Hub clamp 61includes an inclined outer bearing surface 64 for engaging the bottomsurface of a structural unit 1 adjacent a corner 4 or 5 thereof and apartially arcuate boss 65 which contacts the rounded off portion 66 ofthe hub clamp 62. Boss 65 is provided with a central aperture 68 andbearing surface 64 with a plurality of openings 69. Openings 69 registerwith corresponding openings 9' in a structural unit 1 so that bolts orrivets 77 may be inserted therein to lock the clamp to the structuralunit. Hub clamp 62 in addition to having rounded off portion 66 alsoincludes an inclined outer bearing surface 69 for contacting the corner4 or 5 of a structural unit 1. Bearing surface 69 has openings 76therein and rounded off portion 66 has a central opening 71. Openings 76as in the case of clamp 61 register with similar openings 9 in astructural unit 1. Clamp 63 is also provided with an inclined outerbearing surface 73 for contacting the inside surface of a structuralunit 1 and a downwardly projecting rounded boss 74. Bearing surface 73has openings 75 therein, while boss '74 has a cen- 8 tr-al opening 76therein. The openings 75 register with corresponding openings 9 in astructural unit so that rivets or bolts 77 may be inserted therein tolock the clamp to a structural unit. Each of the hub clamps may also beprovided with several sets of reinforcing ribs. After the inclinedbearing surfaces 64, 69 and '73 of the several clamps are secured to theseveral structural units 1, they are then secured together by means of abolt 78 thrust through the openings 68, 71 and 76 in the several hubclamps and a nut 79, all as clearly indicated in FIG- URE 11. Therounded off portions 66 of clamp 62, as well as the rounded oif bosses65 and 74 of clamps 61 and 63, also permit ready adjustment of theclamps one with respect to the other during the period they are lockedtogether. The inclination of the bearing surfaces 64, 69 and 73 alsocoincides substantially with the slope of the units 1 adjacent comers 4and 5. The open spaces that may be present at the point where thecluster 24 of hub clamps secure the short diagonals of adjacent unitstogether may be substantially eliminated, if desired, by means of acover plate 32 applied over the outer surfaces of the several units, thecover plate 82 being held in place by a suitable adhesive securing itdirectly to the top surface of the sheets, or alternatively by the bolt78. Such a cover plate is shown in dotted lines in FIGURE 11.

It is also of interest to note in connection with the vertices B orpoints where the corners of the short diagonals of the structural units1 converge that they form the apices of a plurality of pyramidal typeunits when the long diagonal of each unit is considered as a framemember in the over-all framework of the sphere or dome and with the longdiagonal of each unit 1 serving as a base line for a pyramid. The strut6 serves to connect the apices of each pyramidal type unit.

Finally, the manner of connecting the various panels together, alongwith their struts at the short diagonals thereof, is such that thestruts on adjacent units are also interconnected with each other wherebythe struts advantageously transfer loads from one to the other. Theoutside appearance of the building is also enhanced in that gussets 20and hub clamp clusters 24 are located inside of the building and areconcealed from the view of one looking at the building from the outside.

By use of the structural panels 1 herein described, a unique structureis formed having a geometrically-patterned spiderlike frameworkcomprised of struts 6 and a surface wall of undulating,marginally-joined diamondshaped sheets. The geometric pattern of theframe is generally a series of recurring hexagons. Each diamond with itsrespective strut defines a tetrahedron-like threedimensional structureand as shown in FIGURES 4, 5 and 5a, these tetrahedron-like elements arejoined edge to edge in such a manner that the space between every threejoined to the common point is also a tetrahedron. Thus, the totalassembly may be considered a three-dimensional space-truss ofconsiderable strength. The combination and interaction of struts anddiamonds will provide an exceptionally strong structural surface such asa flat single or double curved wall or roof. It will also be noted thatby appropriate portioning of the diamond and strut dimensions thepattern defined by the struts in FIG- URE 4 can be other than hexagons,that is, any number more than three diamonds can be associated about theone common vertex.

A similar construction may be used in forming roof structures. In such acase, it is preferable that the overall surface be somewhat arched suchthat the primary support for the roof as such comprises the frameworkmade up of the geometric arrangement of struts 6 plus the skin elementsthemselves and with the center line and the flanged edges of eachstructural element in effect also acting as struts in the mannerpreviously described. Thus, the sole support for a roof area of largesize such as over an auditorium, theatre, theatre shop or the like wouldbe furnished by the above described framework in combination with asuitable sidewall structure leaving the enclosed area unobstructed byposts, columns or the like. In the event the interruption of the closedarea is not a prime consideration, the roof structure may besubstantially level, the geometric frame being supported at selectedpoints throughout its expanse and with suitable drain means beingprovided to collect moisture from the troughs deflned by the bowed orarched sheets 1. Referring now to geodesic dome-shaped structures suchas are shown in FIGURES and 5a, it may be seen that the individual unitsmay be utilized in such a manner as to fabricate a dome structure of thetype referred to in the abovementioned Fuller patent with reactionpoints 8 -8 being shown for the structure of FIGURE 5 and reactionpoints S S being shown for the structure of FIGURE 5a.

It is to be understood that suitable sealants may be applied between theflanged edges of abut-ting units and at the vertex points A and B wherethe corners 2 or 3, and 4 or 5, respectively, of the several panel unitsconverge. One suitable type sealing compound which has. been foundsatisfactory for this purpose is one known as T'hiokol, a syntheticrubber-based sealing compound manufactured and sold by Minnesota Miningand Manufacturing Company.

The preferred way of utilizing the structural units 1 to the greatestadvantage, such that equal or near equal stress distribution is obtainedthroughout the entire framework, is as has been described, that is, :byforming an appropriate series of approximately regular hexagons. A domeor sphere made up of such units and patterns is clearly shown in FIGURES5 and 511, wherein each strut 6, the long and short diagonals and themarginal flanges 7, 1-1, 8 and 9 of any two contiguous units arepositioned along great circle arcs utilizing in full the geometry astaught in the Fuller patent.

On occasion the metal units I maybe replaced by those made of plastic,glass or other transparent materials for lighting and decorativeeffects. Windows, entrances and exits may also be incorporated in thedome structure.

In one form of the invention and as indicated particu larly in FIGURES5a and 9, in those instances where it is desirable to leave some openarea adjacent the bottom perimeter of the sphere, unique means areprovided for supporting and anchoring the sphere to the ground. Thesemeans are shown particularly in FIGURES 5a and 9, and 13-17. "In thisinstance, the bottom extremities of a pluralityof panel units 1 aredirectly anchored to the ground piers $6. Main support columnsill arealso connected to the piers 80 and to the sphere at the vertex points A.

As indicated particularly in FIGURES 5a and 9 the anchoring piers 8i andsupport columns 81 are arranged in perimetric groups to conform with thecurvature of the sphere and geometric arrangement of the panel units ll.In each of these groups the centerrnost diamondshaped sheet and itsassociated column til are generally located in only one inclined planeto the vertical. The downwardly projecting diamond shaped sheets andtheir associated columns 81 on either side of the centermost downwardlyprojecting diamond shaped sheet and its associated column bl, since theyare radially disposed with respect to these centermost sheets andcolumns, are inclined in two planes.

As indicated particularly in FIGURE 13, each panel unit I is anchored ata long diagonal corner to a pier -80 by means of a somewhat Y-shapedplate 82. The stem $3 of the plate '82 is inserted between theupstanding plates 3d of the anchoring assemblytlo and loosely heldtherein. It is notpositively anchored between the plates, andthis'permits freedom of movementsuch as may be caused by expansion andcontraction of the domeassembly as a whole. Plates $5 in turn are weldedor otherwise secured to a shoe plate-87 welded to a base plate 37. Baseplate $7 is anchored by suitable stud bolts 38 to the concrete pier 3b.The ends of plates are welded to the end covers 88, and covers 88 arewelded to plates 87 and 87'. In the case of the panel units 1 which aretilted or inclined in two planes, the plates 85 will also be somewhattilted with respect to a true vertical in order to accommodate the panelunit and support column 81. The upper winged portions 9% and 9t) ofplate 82. are inserted within the channels formed by the flanges 7 andIll and flange tabs 10 thereon. Suitable elongated L-shaped shim members91 and 91' are also sandwiched in between the winged portions and 90 ofplate 82 and flanges 7 and II of the panel unit 1. The wing portions 0and 90 of plate 82 are bolted directly to the base flanges 93 and 93 ofthese shim members 91 and @I', while the upstanding flanges 94 and 94'of the shim members are bolted or riveted to the flanges 11 and 7,respectively, of the panel unit I. If desired, a fitting ?5 shown indotted lines in FIGURE 13 may be inserted in the opening between theshim members 91 and 91 and flanges 7 and I1 and tabs 10 to furtherrigidity the shim members with respect to the flanged edges of the sheetmetal unit I, such a space 96 being shown in FIG- URE 15. This fittingwould be secured by suitable means not shown both to shim member 91 or91 and the flange tabs 10.

Pivotally mounted between and secured to the several plates 85,outwardly from the panel unit 1, is the lower extremity of a mainsupport column 81. As indicated in FIGURE 17, this lower extremity ofthe column comprises a flat plate 98 inserted in a suitable slot in thecolumn and then welded thereto. This flat plate is pivotally secured toplates 85 by bolt means 99. Secured to the upper extremity of column 81in a fashion similar to plate 8 is another plate 10% indicated in dottedlines in FIGURE 10. It will be noted, however, that plate 100 isdisposed at approximately a 90 angle to plate 98. The top of plate 1%and in turn the column is directly anchored to a gusset 20 in one of thelowermost vertex points A on the sphere. As indicated particularly inFIGURES 5a and 9, these latter vertex points A serve as the mainreaction points for all loads and tension and compressive forcestransmitted through the building framework, which includes, of course,the center long diagonal of each panel unit, all as indicated in dottedlines in FIGURES 5a and 9. These loads in turn are then transmitted intoand through the columns 31 to the piers 80. It will also be observed byreference to FIGURE 9 that each column fits underneath the strut 6 ofthe panel unit I, with which it is associated. By loosely anchoring thebase supporting panel units 1 and pivotally anchoring columns 81 to thepiers iii any expansion or contraction in the sphere is readilycompensated for. The panels are also advantageouslycontained by piers8'6 in order to stabilize the sphere against translating, twisting androtating.

With further reference to the drawings and in particular FIGURES 9, l3and 16 in the case of where the corners 4 and 5 on the short diagonalsof two adjacent panels meet and are joined together, and where thecorner of one panel unit I secured to a pier 845 is also secured to anadjacent unit, only two clamp elements are employed, such as clampelements 62and 63. Considering FIGURE 16 as a view of the joint betweencorner 5 on the panel unit I secured to a pier and the corner 4 of theadjacent panel unit and looking from the inside out, the clamp element62 is secured to corner 4 of one panel unit and the clamp element 63 tocorner 5 of the other panel unit. In an effort to further strengthen thejoint between the two panel units, it is also contemplated that aroughly ,Z-shaped reinforcing finger element 102 may be used. Eachfinger element, asindicated particularly in FIGURES 13, 15 andl6,includes a bottom extremity Alli; bolted tothe base flange 93 of theshim 75 member 91, a web 164 and an upperrounded and aper- 11 turedextremity 105 bolted directly to the clamp elements 62 and 63 by meansof the bolt 78 and nut 79.

From the above description it will be noted that when a plurality ofthese tetrahedral blocks are assembled as described, such as in aspherical building, the total arrangement becomes that of a hexagonalstrut overlying a three-dimensional covering of diamond-shaped panels.The whole is structurally interacting to form a highly efiicient memberwhich geometrically defines a shell segment of a sphere. The resultantstructure is also a true space-truss being triangulated threedimensionally, and defining tetrahedrons. It is also geodesic in thatthe vertices of all tetrahedral building blocks or structural elementsfall in a series of great circles, which define a sphere in the case ofthe building structures shown in FIGURES 5, a and 9.

The various panels and all accessories therefor used in making thespherical building described are preferably made of aluminum although itis understood that other materials may also be employed as desired. Oneadvantage of the structural unit herein described is the fact that theunits can be made of larger or smaller size, depending upon the type ofstructure in which they are to be incorporated. In any event, utilizingthe units of the instant invention, the area to be covered is calculatedalong with the best possible size for the individual structural units.Then by considering the edges as terminating in a series of half andwhole hexagons or other polygons, the number of units may be easilycalculated with a slight compensation in turn being made for each unitsuch that once the appropriate geometric pattern is established, theremainder of the pattern is also established.

In all cases wherein the preferred form of the invention is used, anexceptionally strong, easily fabricated, lightweight attractivestructure is provided. It will be appreciated that various changes canbe made in the described invention which are within the scope thereof,the invention being limited only as defined in the following claimswherein what is claimed is:

What is claimed is:

1. In a building construction a plurality of structural units sodisposed and secured to each other as to form a three-dimensional spacetruss, each of said units comprising a four-cornered panel, said panelin turn being bowed about an axis coinciding with a diagonal center linein the said panel such that two opposing corners thereof are displacedupwardly from the normal plane of rest of the panel, a strut memberextending across the panel and connected at its ends with said upwardlydisplaced corners, means anchoring contiguous panels together in a fixedgeometric pattern, said means includ ing hub elements securing groups ofpanels together at the vertices on the truss formed by the convergingcorners of the panels, and means securing the base perimeter of thebuilding formed from certain of the said units to the ground, said meansincluding ground piers and support columns, the lower extremities ofsaid columns being secured to said piers and the upper extremities ofsaid columns being secured to certain of said hub elements.

2. In a building construction as set forth in claim 1 wherein each ofsaid panels is provided with reinforcing creases which emanate asintersecting radii from certain corners of a panel.

3. In a building construction a plurality of structural units sodisposed and secured to each other as to form a three-dimensionalspace-truss, each of said units comprising a four-cornered sheet metalpanel, said panel in turn being bowed about an axis coinciding with adiagonal center line in the said panel, such that two opposing cornersthereof are displaced upwardly from the normal plane of rest of thepanel, a strut member extending across the panel and connected at itsends with said upwardly displaced corners, means anchoring contiguouspanels together in a fixed geometric pattern, said means including hubelements securing groups of panels together at the vertices on the trussformed by the converging corners of the panels, and means securing thebase perimeter of the building formed from certain of the said units tothe ground, said means including ground piers and support columns, thelower extremities of which are pivotally secured to said piers and theupper extremities of which are secured to certain of said hub elements.

4. The building construction as set forth in claim 3 wherein the ends ofthe strut members in the said panels are also connected to certain ofsaid hub elements.

5. In a building of generally spherical form a plurality of structuralunits so disposed and secured to each other as to form athree-dimensional space-truss, each of said units comprising afour-cornered sheet metal panel, each panel in turn being bowed about anaxis which coincides with a diagonal center line in the panel, such thattwo opposing corners thereof are displaced upwardly from the normalplane of rest of the panel, a strut member extending across andconnected at its ends to said upwardly displaced corners, means securingcontiguous panels to each other at the marginal edges thereof, meanssecuring said panels together at the vertex points on the truss wherethe corners of the panels converge with each other, the strut membersand edges of the said panels defining in turn a structural framework,with said edges and strut members in turn being located along the arcsof great circles, and perimetrically arranged anchoring means for thesaid building, said last-mentioned means including a plurality ofcolumns, one extremity of each column being secured to the frameworkformed by the edges and strut members of said panels and the otherextremity of a column being pivotally secured to an anchoring pier, eachof said columns also being disposed along an arc of a great circle asdefined by the diagonal center lines of certain of said panels.

6. A building of generally spherical configuration, comprising aplurality of panel members integral portions of which serve as acovering for the building and other integral portions of which serve asthe framework for the building, said panel members also being sodisposed and secured together as to form a three-dimensionalspace-truss, and said last-mentioned portions of the panel members alsobeing disposed along the arcs of great circles, means arrangedperimetrically at the base of said building for anchoring the same to aseries of ground piers, said means comprising a plurality of supportingcolumns, one end of each column being secured to a group of panelmembers at the point where certain edges thereof converge to form areaction point, and the other end of the column being pivotally securedto a ground pier, said columns also being so anchored to said piers andsaid framework as to be located along and form continuations of the arcsof great circles formed by portions of certain of the panel members towhich the columns are attached, said columns also being pitched so as tofollow the curvature of the spherical building.

7. In a building as set forth in claim 6 wherein certain of said columnsare pitched in a pair of planes.

8. In a building of generally spherical configuration and formed from aplurality of similarly shaped panels, certain integral portions of whichconstitute the framework for the building and other integral portions ofwhich constitute the covering for the building, and with saidfirst-mentioned portions of the panels that constitute the frameworkalso being located along great circle arcs, means arranged along thebase perimeter of said building for anchoring the same to the ground,said means including a plurality of spaced piers and means connectingcertain of said panels directly to said piers, said means comprising aplurality of support columns, one extremity of each support column beingsecured to a group of panels at the point where certain edges of thepanels in said group of panels converge to form a reaction point and theother extremity of said column being pivot-ally secured to a pier toaccommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the panels, each ofsaid column also being pitched so as to follow the curvature of thebuilding and the arc of a great circle, said column also forming acontinuation of the framework portion of one of said panels locatedalong the arc of a great circle and to which it is connected.

9. The building as set forth in claim 8 wherein one of the panels in thegroup of panels to which a column is attached is also mounted on thesame pier as the column so as to stabilize the spherical buildingagainst rotation.

10. The building as recited in claim 8 wherein said columns are arrangedin groups, with the central column in each group being inclined in onlyone plane and with the other columns in each group being inclined in apair of planes, whereby each column will follow the curvature of thebuilding and at the same time be located along the arc of a greatcircle.

11. A building of generally spherical configuration and said buildingbeing formed from a plurality of similar diamond-shaped metal panels,said panels also compris ing the covering and framework for thebuilding, each of said panels also being bowed about an axis coincidingwith the long diagonal thereof, struts extending across the shortdiagonals of the panels and secured to said panels, the long diagonaland the marginal edges of the panels and the struts constituting theframework of the building, said struts and the portions of the panelsconstituting the framework being located along great circle arcs, andmeans arranged along the base perimeter of the building for anchoringthe building to the ground, said means including a plurality of spacedground piers and a plurality of columns, one extremity of each columnbeing secured to a group of panels at the point where certain edges ofthe panels in said group of panels converge to form a reaction point,each column also forming a continuation of the long diagonal of one ofthe panels located along a great circle arc, and the other extremity ofthe column being pivotally anchored to a pier, and one of said panels towhich a column i attached also being mounted on the same pier as thecolumn so as to stabilize the building against rotation.

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